Early Risers.

[Barry O]

Ey up!

Cracking the flaggs here too this morning.

Orders have been received for the day

1 move bed

2 re-assemble king size bed in our bedroom

3 cut grass 

4 wash car

5 complete other tasks as required.

 

I got a slap for asking when I could eat and/or get a mugadecaf.

TTFN

Baz

[AndrewC]

Greetings all from the boring borough. 

Back after taking a 2 month break. Still find the new software is a bag of rusty nails. I know we're stuck with it and, Andy is basically using a whole makeup case on an ugly porker, but as far as a commercial piece of software goes it really a bucket of carp. Case in point if you want to see how borked the database and index is just choose Activity>My Activity>Content I posted in, then sit and wait. (varies from around 80-200 seconds) Having adverts embedded in the middle of the forum list on Safari is pretty poor as well. Especially since they b*gger up the cell spacing in the page's html layout. Meh. Enough complaining. Ad blockers enabled against the site as a last resort. I'll pop in from time to time. 

 

It was good to put some faces to names last Friday. I enjoyed escaping for a few hours. One of downsides of working from home all the time is you lose a lot of social interaction and I tend to not leave the house from Monday until Saturday normally. 

 

Phil: a number of years ago a couple of us did some experimentation with various foam insulation boards for use as modules. The Knauf and foil covered material is open cell and far less dense than closed cell building foam like Dow FloorMate 300. If you are going with the foil covered material, leave the foil on one side for additional rigidity. After a few years we found it and the Knauf to sag if not supported better. The FloorMate on the other hand is still perfectly flat after 8 years with no middle support at all, just an outside framing of birch ply. 

 

We've driven and camped the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego as far as Newport OR a couple of times. Well worth the extra days travel over the souless slab that is the I-5. 

 

Far too much stuff to catch up on fully but a few updates. 

10 days into the 35 day visit of MiL and BiL. So far not too bad. 

Work is work. Nothing exciting there. 

Slowly cleaning out and refurbishing the shed. Several bags of builder's left over crap removed. Rolson interlocking rubber flooring partly down. Sure makes a difference when standing. New exterior paint job needed after 10 years. New insulation in the roof as well since the existing stuff has started to drop as the adhesive has failed. Foil backed foam to be used. I'm going to need at least 3 trips to the tip to get rid of all the rubbish. 

Chelsea Flower show next Tuesday. The annual torture test for my knee. 

4 days in Brussels & Brugge to follow. Most of that will be spent sampling fermented grain beverages at various locales while the others do touristy stuff.  

Planning a few days camping in Wales in July. We shall see if it happens or not. 

 

That's about it from me. congratulations and commiserations as appropriate. 

Enjoy the day. 

 

 

 

 

[Happy Hippo]

I'm not normally into soft toys, but having spoken to the Minerva mob on Saturday at the ALSRM Reading show, I am now awaiting the delivery, sometime in 2020, of a Teddy Bear.

 

Prior to the trip down south of Friday, the Obergrumpenfuhrer managed to pull a door of a kitchen cabinet. 'It just came off in my hand' she claimed.

 

I over drilled what was left of the fixing holes in the scabby chipboard yesterday and plugged them with solid timber dowels.

 

Today's task is to trim the dowels flush with the cabinet side and then re-drill for the fixing screws.

 

Lots of multiple episodes of excitement will then prevail as I bounce from task to task in the garden.

 

Still, I do have my mother coming to stay with us to look forward to, followed by taking her, my daughter and grandchildren and the Obergrumpenfurer off on holiday.

 

I can assure you that it will not be a holiday for me!

 

 

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone

 

Once again the sky is blue and there are no clouds in the sky. My first task will be to complete the Sainsbury’s Grand Prix, as we need to buy in something for the grandkids tea tomorrow, I also need a few ingredients for the carrot cake too, which I’ll be baking after dinner. 

 

Back later. 

[laurenceb]

Someone was joking about michelin men suits elsewhere, methinks GDB needs one pgq !

Mornin awl 

[Robert]

Morning All,

 

I am slightly later on parade this morning, having waited at home for the company who maintain our central heating.  They phoned me up yesterday afternoon to remind me that the yearly service was due, and that they had an appointment free this morning at 8am.  As the morning was meeting free, it was a good opportunity to get it done.

 

The boiler is in fine fettle - not that it's that old, so I would expect it to be.  However, we need to have the gas pipe replaced from the stop-cock to the meter.  There is a valve on the meter inlet which is no longer allowed.  Not for safety reasons, but apparently because it is easy to manipulate.  It didn't used to be a problem on existing installations (only new installations) but as of 2019 the Town bylaws have changed and all installations require modification.  Now that he's seen it, he needs to do something about it.  It's only about five meters of pipe, so shouldn't be a huge cost but it's still an unnecessary one!

 

Have a good day everyone...

[roundhouse]

8 hours ago, pH said:

 

 

If you're looking for maximum scenery, I'd recommend staying as close as possible to the coast. I-5 (the north-south Interstate) is for getting to places. It's not a great drive in itself.

 

The loop from Seattle round the Olympic Mountains and south along the coast to Astoria in Oregon is a nice drive, but is a long way to get not very far towards San Francisco. You can go down a fairly short stretch of I-5 then west along the south bank of the Columbia River to Astoria. (If it hadn't been for the self-importance of a British Army officer during the war of 1812, the whole north bank of the Columbia would have been legally British, now Canadian, territory.)

 

From Astoria, drive down the coast on US 101, as Roundhouse says above. That eventually turns away from the coast itself, but you can then take California State Route 1 which goes back down to the ocean. It runs along the San Andreas fault, in the form of Tomales Bay, and takes you to Sausalito at the north end of the Golden Gate bridge.

 

I've done the route south to north up to Vancouver, BC in 4 days' steady driving, but taking time to see things on the way. I probably wouldn't advise trying it any faster if you want to enjoy the trip.    

My error, I did mean Astoria OR. The trip over the Columbia on the long bridge is also a worthy trip heading to / from the Washington State coast and is a pleasant town with a tram car ride along the old tracks past the old canneries. We often use the Quality Inn on the East side of town next to the river. They warn you of Sealion noise form the pontoons if you have a riverside view but that is fine with us after a few beers in Fort George brewery plus the other breweries in town.

 

Morning all. Shed building continues. All rafters glued in place and now being screwed in to the ridge etc. I am hoping to start fitting the vapour barrier to the lower section of the walls this afternoon. Insulation arrives tomorrow so hope to fit that in the roof then put the roof membrane over the timber work after that by close of play on Thursday. I might even have the windows and door fitted.

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

The sun is shining and a letter (not a red one) from the bank has led Mrs Stationmaster to state that my state pension is paid into my current account.  this statement is, to be honest, news to me so a check will be carried out to see if her statement was correct and as she thinks it goes there it won't make any difference if it should actually go there in future - we shall see.   Next step I'm expecting however is mention of the G word prompted by that sunny disposition outside - where the Good Doctor is already hard at work.

\

A Tesco trip might be made today for the 'paper but the real fun trip will be tomorrow to observe how the new arrangement for manning the counters (fish, meat, and deli) is working after the majority of the previous staff have taken the money and run (not that they've got the money yet).    Apparently one particular point of interest will be to see if a certain new recruit knows the difference between between cod or plaice and salmon or mackerel or kippers - odd I know but genuinely anticipated by some of those who have left.

 

Meanwhile I see the 'entertainment' thread continues to rumble on in the manufacturers area of this forum - hardly surprising I suppose and as ever  nonsense appears elsewhere presented as 'fact'; strange things internet forums.

 

Have a good day one and all.

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

Sunny here.

Out for lunch soon. Meeting friends at a pub. We have chosen one nearer where the friends live as one of them will be arriving after a game of bowls. 

Tony

[Barry O]

Tasks 1 and 2 complete. Now to start 3 then lunch...then 4

Baz

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. A bit late as Virgin were doing some work and the internet was down. Thanks for the extra bit of advice Andrew, the insulation foam will be well supported, solidly under 75-80% of its area. Sun is shining so best to get out before the pollen, be back later.

[newbryford]

2 hours ago, Robert said:

.  It didn't used to be a problem on existing installations (only new installations) but as of 2019 the Town bylaws have changed and all installations require modification.  Now that he's seen it, he needs to do something about it.  It's only about five meters of pipe, so shouldn't be a huge cost but it's still an unnecessary one!

 

Have a good day everyone...

 

It's a bit of a b&gger when laws/regulations change and the end user has to bear the cost of altering an existing installation.

 

Golf was played yesterday. NW Seniors league away at Hurlston Hall

We had a very close game and evenly matched until the 14th, where we then went and lost 3 holes in a row to lose the match 3&2.

Local knowledge of the greens and putting was the difference between our pairing.

 

The team lost 6-0 which isn't unknown at this course for the home team really does have an advantage trough course knowledge.

Next game is home this Thursday, we will be looking to score points - lots of them. It is against our nearest geographical rivals.

(I live 2.5 minutes drive from my course and 3 minutes from the opponents.....)

 

The sun is shining - if off to get my lunch.

 

Cheers,

Mick

 

B*gger - just missed seeing 48151 pass by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The Lurker]

Greetings all from a sunny LBG, nice to see AndrewC passing through.

 

Thanks for comments on the pacific Coast.

 

Our itinerary has Mount Rainier, and then an overnight in Olympia, followed by a coastal drive to Seaside, then down to Newport. At both of those places we stop for a day or two. From there we head inland to Medford via Crater Lake and then back to the coast and Eureka - those two days are the longest drives. Elder Lurker will be pushed to get up as early as I will want... after that it is Fort Bragg for a ay or two and then SF. We also have a day trip to Monterey   we both liked the aquarium there when we visited the best part of 20 years and wanted to see it again,

 

So all in all not too much of I-5 - we'll use a bit to go north out of Medford to the junction with the 199 and then back to the coast.

 

 

[Ian Abel]

Chewsday it is, funny how that happens, always follows Moanday

 

Nothing worthy of reporting from the client/Long Island locale. <yawn> <sigh>

 

Weather reporter this AM did note yesterday was the coldest "high" in the area for over 30 years, topping out at around 47F/8C where the normal for this time of year is closer to 68F/20C

Much moaning and whining about how "cold" it was ensued between the various characters on the morning news show, presenters, traffic personages et all chipping in!

 

Jemma starts her 31st trip around the sun today, how time flies (as does she <- is that clever or what?!?!?!)

 

7 driving in, party sunny, expecting 11 and possibly some showers later.

 

Tally ho...

Edited May 14, 2019 by Ian Abel

[Kingzance]

10 minutes ago, Barry O said:

Tasks 1 and 2 complete. Now to start 3 then lunch...then 4

Baz

Car washing best done in the shade Baz, detergent doesn’t dry on so paint finish / polish isn’t affected. Respectfully suggest review order of works unless it is no longer splitting the flags.

[Barry O]

not a proper wash..just a flush off the dirt. Proper car wash later when it has cooled down. But I don't like leaving bird muck on the paintwork...

 

Baz

[Ian Abel]

2 minutes ago, Barry O said:

not a proper wash..just a flush off the dirt. Proper car wash later when it has cooled down. But I don't like leaving bird muck on the paintwork...

 

Baz

Baz,

  Did you get your muggatea or a slap upside the head for asking?? Inquiring minds want to know

P. Arched on Long Island

Edited May 14, 2019 by Ian Abel

[Barry O]

the slap..then a mugadecaf!

She knows how to get the best work rate out of me!

[Joseph_Pestell]

26 minutes ago, Barry O said:

not a proper wash..just a flush off the dirt. Proper car wash later when it has cooled down. But I don't like leaving bird muck on the paintwork...

 

Baz

 

Just the paintwork, you were lucky! I left my window open on a hot day recently and a large bird perched on the door to sh*t on the interior.

[Kingzance]

7 minutes ago, Joseph_Pestell said:

 

Just the paintwork, you were lucky! I left my window open on a hot day recently and a large bird perched on the door to sh*t on the interior.

Not one to lower the tone (as someone else has already done that), I chauffeured SWMBO into the nearby town to purchase some birthday cards. Although she didn't approve, I did see one that read "It's your birthday, just remember sh!ts and giggles are fine, giggles and sh!ts are not". Destined for someone who is about to have a 70th birthday, I thought it appropriate but was voted down!

[AndrewC]

58 minutes ago, Barry O said:

the slap..then a mugadecaf!

She knows how to get the best work rate out of me!

I'd get disembowelled for mentioning the D word in our house.  

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Tesco vouchers dropped onto the mat this morning including a 'double points' voucher, that means making out a shopping list to make the most of it. Another 'shopping list' is being prepared for the layout, in this case however a lot of stuff is 'in stock'. 

[jamie92208]

Morning/afternoon etc to all and sundry. GDB I can sympathise. I am often accused of snoring and acquir bruises. Presently my accuser is snoring away well while I ytpe away on the tablet. However this report will not be believed in due course.  

 

Anyway a good day was had with our friends yesterday. We were taken out to an Indian Casino on US 50 (Red Hawk) which was an experience. Bethe and Dave managed to come out in profit.  Sally and I didn 't participate.  Then a meal at a Lazy Dog restaurant  before coming back to the hotel.  Went through Folsom but didn't see the prison.

 

We are off to do a bit off shopping then this afternoon will see Dave and Sally again. Perhaps I will be allowed to see some locos at some point.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[TheQ]

That probably means that our vouchers are on their way... Because I did a big shop yesterday and there is only so much food we can eat... 

 

The major system was finished,  One temperature equipment  completed,  the other the easiest 1/3 done. 

Just booked the car in for it's windscreen change... Earliest appointment next Wednesday 22nd..

Having booked it in, they correctly came up with my details, they still want me to take a paper copy of the insurance policy with me.. 

[Tony_S]

We are back from lunch. The order was taken promptly but then there was s but there was a bit of a delay before the starters arrived. Staff apologised and gave us a round of drinks free. Food was very nice, I had duck which I don’t usually order but fancied a change. When we eat there I usually have liver and bacon which we never seem to prepare at home nowadays. Not sure why. 

At one time we may have just handed over our money to Tesco, we seemed to spend a lot there. We hardly ever go now. With all the trips to the Canvey  tip the nearby Morrison’s and M&S food seem to be getting our business more often. Waitrose is a bit further but it is where we go to collect or return John Lewis purchases. For the “oh no we haven’t got...” the nearby Sainsbury’s Local or the Co-op are useful.